In a remarkable leap forward for accessibility and mobility, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled India’s first indigenous motorized wheelchair vehicle, named ‘NeoBolt.’ The ground-breaking innovation, spearheaded by a team led by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, marks a significant milestone in empowering individuals with locomotor disabilities.
The unveiling of NeoBolt was a momentous occasion, with wheelchair Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, Syed Sallauddin Pasha, expressing his exhilaration at witnessing the development alongside Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan. Pasha, who has firsthand experience with mobility challenges, lauded the meticulous efforts of IIT Madras in creating cost-effective standing wheelchairs.
Mahiraa, who experienced the standing wheelchair firsthand, expressed her excitement at witnessing individuals being able to stand and work, breaking away from the conventional seated position. She emphasized the newfound freedom and accessibility that NeoBolt offers, enabling users to reach for items that were previously out of reach.
NeoBolt boasts impressive specifications, including a maximum speed of 25 kmph and a travel range of up to 25 km per charge. Powered by a Lithium-Ion Battery, the motorized wheelchair provides a convenient, safe, and low-cost mode of outdoor mobility, presenting a viable alternative to conventional vehicles like cars, auto-rickshaws, or modified scooters.
Crucially, the development process of NeoBolt involved extensive collaboration with organizations and hospitals working with individuals with locomotor disabilities. The team at IIT-M made constant design adjustments based on feedback and experiences from the community, ensuring that NeoBolt meets the diverse needs of its users.
Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, who also led the team behind India’s first indigenously-designed Standing Wheelchair called ‘Arise,’ expressed her vision for NeoMotion, the startup from R2D2 incubated at IIT Madras. She emphasized NeoMotion’s commitment to revolutionizing the landscape of mobility aids with world-class wheelchair products designed and manufactured in India, catering not only to the Indian market but also to the global community.
The unveiling of NeoBolt marks a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with locomotor disabilities, reaffirming India’s capabilities in technological innovation and social empowerment. As NeoBolt prepares to roll out, it promises to redefine the concept of mobility, offering newfound independence and opportunities for wheelchair users across the nation and beyond.